Hawai‘i is known to have some of the nation’s best beaches. Now, we
can boast of being one of the best walking cities.
An independent study by the
American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and
Prevention magazine analyzed over 500 cities in the country to find
which were the most walker-friendly. Honolulu ranked seventh in the top 10, right
up there with larger and more highly populated locales like New York, Chicago, and
Washington, D.C. Criteria included the number of cars per household, how many adults
walked to work, mass transit availability, and the rate of pedestrian accidents.
The APMA also consulted city planners and pedestrian coordinators to help determine
city scores.
According to the APMA, 87.5 percent of Americans choose walking as their exercise
of choice. Research suggests that walking can decrease the risk of cancer, diabetes
and heart disease. Cardiovascular workouts like walking can also help maintain a
healthy weight.
Starting a walking routine is simple:
- Get fitted with comfortable walking shoes.
- Walk in a safe place, such as a park or on your neighborhood’s sidewalks.
- Drink water to stay hydrated, especially on hot days.
- Stretch before and after you walk to avoid injuries.
- Apply sunscreen and wear a hat if you’re walking during the day.
- Start slow and easy. Over time, increase the length and intensity of your walk.
- Make it a social activity and invite a friend or family member along.
Hawai‘i has the perfect climate for walking. Put on those shoes and hit the
pavement!